Ban on use of cell phones during classes gets legislators' support

CEBU, Philippines - The move to ban the use of cellular phones inside the classrooms has gained support from the local legislators in the Cebu Provincial Government.

Provincial Board Members Victor Maambong and Juan Bolo, in a proposed resolution, said the ban of on the use of cell phones by students during class hours is “worth of support and commendation” in order to keep the students focused in the lessons and activities in school.

Department of Education officials has issued and reiterated once again DepEd Order Numbers 83, series of 2003; 26 series of 2000 and 70 series of 1999, which state that DepEd strictly imposes a ban on the use of cell phones by students during class hours.

Students are encouraged to turn off their cell phones during class hours. In other way, students may leave it open in the principal or guidance office to monitor emergency calls. The prohibition applies to elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

Teachers are also instructed not to confiscate the cell phone instead make sure to instruct the students to switch off their gadgets prior to classroom discussion.

“The DepEd officials, however, recognizes the importance of cellular phones in times of emergency but still has to be regulated so that students will not be distracted during class hours,” the resolution reads.

Maambong and Bolo pointed out that cell phones can be a valuable tool in research but it should not be done during class hours.

The DepEd order stated that teachers and parents should devise ways to educate students on the responsible use of cell phones to prevent them from engaging in misguided and improper activities. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)